Tag Archives: Jesus

Follow Me

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Did you know that Jesus said the exact words to Peter at the beginning and the end of their relationship? “Follow me!”

When I was a child we often sang a delightful song with the words, “I Will Make You Fishers of Men“.   Even today, so many years past childhood, I can still sing the words and hear the melody in my mind.

Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee when he saw Simon Peter and his brother Andrew fishing in the lake.  He said to them, “Follow Me and we’ll fish for people.”  And so they did, immediately.  Further on down the road he came upon James and John, Zebedee’s sons, who were in the boat with their father.  Jesus said the same thing to them,  “Follow Me” and they did, immediately.  That little story, in my own words, is found in Matthew 4:18-22.

Let’s travel three years into the future.  The four have followed Jesus faithfully, fully immersed in His journey.  They have watched Him closely, learned from Him, shared His words with others, been at the Cross with Him and He is about to return to the Father.  In this scene, we find them once again by the side of a lake.  Jesus has cooked them breakfast and when they are done eating He says to Peter, “Do you love me?”  Peter answers, “You know I love You!”  This went on two more times, each time Peter answered positively and Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep (or lambs)”.  It was very important for Peter to understand what his future was to be about, but something even more important is said at the end of this conversation.  Jesus tells Peter what his death will be like and then He says, “Follow Me!”  (John 21:15-19)

Why did Jesus say these words again?  He knew Peter so well and knew that he needed reminding that it’s not about him. To follow Him, Peter would have to take himself out of the picture.  It’s the same message for us.  We are to follow Him and forget ourselves.  From the beginning to the end of our relationship with Him, it must be all about HIM.

Heavenly Father, teach us to make this life all about You.  Teach us to put others first.  Teach us to serve those around us.  Oh, LORD, teach us!

Revised and reprinted from July 2, 2014

True Worth

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What are we truly worth? Is our worth based on age, wealth, education, appearance…? All of these and more are based on what others think of us. But, what does God think?

Here’s the bottom line. Our worth, to Him, is beyond any human value we can imagine. Our worth is and was worth His Only Son. (John 3:16)

I am a child of God. It does not matter what the world says about me. I am His and He is mine! That will never change because God does not change His mind.

I am the Lord and I do not change. Malachi 3:6

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8

He is the Father of Lights with whom there is no change or variation. James 1:17

Abba, Father, thank You for creating me as one of Your children. Help me remember I am fearfully and wonderfully made in Your image. Keep me mindful that any worth I have is because You gave Jesus for me. You are a Good, Good, Father!

Who Do You Need To Be Walking Alongside?

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Yesterday, I went to give my sweet friend a Sunday hug. I do it every Sunday morning we are both there. It was different this time! Her son had passed away and she needed me, more than I needed the assurance of her loving touch. She shared something I will never forget. During the final hours of her child’s life, she sat with him, alone. Certainly not willing to give back the gift she had been given 51 years before, but definitely willing to love and support him as she had done throughout the years of his life. She knew she did not want to be alone and she also knew she wasn’t because God, whom she had known and served all of her life, was with her. During the waiting hours, God sent another of her sons and his wife to walk alongside. God knew her need and provided exactly what He knew was necessary to give her the strength she needed for that moment in time and in the days ahead.

Don’t you love this about God? He knows every single thing we need and He provides it when we need it. David talks about this in the 23rd Psalm.

He gives us everything we need because all of it is His. More than He gives but He wants to give. He sees the need before we know there is one.

Oh yes, God will and does provide however, He wants us to be listening for His voice in ways we can walk alongside others. Sometimes, when I’m thinking of something else He puts a name in my mind. The first time I send up a prayer. If it happens again I give them a call or text and let them know I prayed and ask if they need anything. He gives many opportunities. We need only listen to His still, small (sometimes shouting) voice.

Abba, Father, how thankful I am that You are always walking alongside us. Help me to know when I need to be doing the same for one of my sisters or brothers. Open my heart and cause me to hear Your voice. Give me the strength and courage to follow through. Let Jesus be seen in me!

Sunday Psalm 14

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Psalm 14

Father, there are so many foolish, evil, corrupt people who believe there is no God.

You look from heaven at Your children to find any who are seeking You. All have turned away. There are none who do good. Evil is destroying those who believe.

You are with the righteous and the poor. You are their refuge.

Save us! We will rejoice and be glad when You restore all that has been lost.

Sunday Psalms are the Psalms in my own words.  You can click on the Psalm number at the top to read it from the English Standard Version.

Sunday Psalm 20

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Some trust in chariots

Some trust in horses

But we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7

Abba, Father, answer my prayers. During this season of trouble and confusion protect me. Send help and support from Your Heavenly Throne. Remember what I have given, my sacrifices and offerings, and how I have served You.

Grant me Your favor. Give me what I want the most. Make my plans happen. I praise Your Holy name. I lift high Your Banner.

You have saved me! I know, without doubt, You will answer. Where others depend on their own resources I trust in Your Great Name. Make the enemy fall! I will stand in victory! Hear me when I call!

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In the Old Testament people gave sacrifices and offerings to receive forgiveness for their sins. That all changed when Jesus went to the cross. He carried every sin past, present, and future to that cross. He was the final sacrifice! The chains that held us captive because of our sins are gone. He is victorious over death so we can live forever.

HE IS RISEN! HE LIVES!

Sunday Psalms are the Psalms in my own words.  You can click on the Psalm number at the top to read it from the English Standard Version.